News Reporter
In an effort to increase available resources and capabilities, CMU’s nursing program is gradually moving into Community Hospital.
Currently, the nursing program is occupying a two-story building with doctors’ offices. First, the department plans to move the educational clinical labs, then the offices and all classrooms and faculty.
The opportunity arose when the Community Hospital decided to build a new hospital.
“The move has been a brainchild of the administration and nursing program,” Bailey said.
The move costs several millions of dollars as the nursing program is working with construction architects and information technology staff.
“It’s a huge expansion,” Bailey said.
The ultimate goal is to develop a nurse practioner clinic as well as to provide a primary health care for patients without health insurance discharged from the hospital and later on connect them to appropriate health care.
“I think the move over to the Community Hospital location will be of great benefit to CMU’s nursing program because it will give us a lot more room for lab practice,” Teal Medina, a senior nursing student, said.
According to Dana Nunn, director of CMU media relations, when the property became available, the administration seized the opportunity to purchase the seven-acre property for the nursing program. It was a great deal since such opportunities are rare.
“It’s part of a growing, thriving institution,” Nunn said.
According to Bailey, there are currently 14 programs under the department of health sciences with about 1300 pre-health students and 50 faculty members.
The nursing program is incredibly competitive. Good grades and science- based prerequisites are needed.
“We take one third of our applicants,” Bailey said.
CMU houses a one-year practical nurse program that allows a student to become a licensed practical nurse. Upon completion, students can then work toward an associate degree, which is another full year. To graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, it takes five semesters.
Since 2011, the nursing program has offered a Master’s degree in nursing. The basic difference between a licensed practical nurse and a registered nurse is that a registered nurse can delegate tasks to a licensed practical nurse. The nursing program closely collaborates with St. Mary’s Hospital, the Veterans Hospital and other hospitals in GJ area.
Besides the move, the nursing program is also looking into some accreditation opportunities and getting funds for programs.
cbauert@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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